Urudhunai loan scheme launched for Adi Dravidars and Scheduled Tribes
Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare M. Mathiventhan on Saturday said that the State government will implement the Urudhunai scheme to provide small and micro loans, worth ₹25 crore, at reduced interest rates to small retailers, traders and manufacturers from Adi Dravidar and tribal communities through the National Finance Development Fund.
Making the announcements during the Demands for Grants for the year 2025-26, the Minister said that the loans under this scheme would be provided, with the State government's subsidy, through co-operative banks.
He further said that training would be provided to 500 entrepreneurs to improve the participation of companies owned by Scheduled Castes/Tribes and SC/ST entrepreneurs in public procurement, at a cost of ₹50 lakh. He also announced a new Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) commercial complex scheme at a cost of ₹15 crore, to allow SC/ST communities to kick start businesses in commercial complexes under the control of local bodies.
Mr. Mathiventhan said that SC/ST entrepreneurs, involved in highly technical industries, would be able to start their business immediately through the 'Plug and Play Industrial Parks', which would be set up at a cost of ₹115 crore.
The Minister said that a digital repository of dance and musical traditions of Adi Dravidar and Tribal communities would be created at a cost of ₹1 crore.
He further said the government would strive for equality in death for the communities by building crematoriums and buying special vehicles to transport mortal remains and creating a mobile application at a cost of ₹8 crore. Training would be provided to SC/ST community members pursuing studies in journalism and communication, he added.Department of Posts to tie up with retail chains, e-commerce platforms for parcel delivery
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